Finch (one of a pair) 1730 - 1740

This is a porcelain finch figurine from the Meissen Manufactory. Established in Germany in 1710, the Meissen factory was the first to discover the formula for true porcelain outside of China, where porcelain production had been a closely guarded secret for centuries. This finch, like many Meissen creations, speaks to the cultural phenomenon of collecting luxury goods among the European aristocracy. These porcelain birds became status symbols, reflecting the wealth and refined tastes of their owners. The intricate details and vibrant colors, meticulously hand-painted, would have been admired in the cabinets of curiosities, or perhaps as table decorations during lavish banquets. To better understand the significance of these objects, we can look at the history of collecting, the economics of porcelain production, and the role of courtly patronage in the arts. Art is never created in a vacuum, and its meaning is always shaped by the society in which it is made and consumed.